SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW & RODEO: Wrangling a rodeo wardrobe

Rules exist for fairgrounds fashion

SAN ANGELO, Texas - Dressing for the rodeo's like riding a bull: It's an art anyone can attempt but few ever master.

And, as in bull riding, failure can be painful.

Overdress and you risk being seen as a "drugstore" cowboy or cowgirl — a wannabe, an impostor.

Underdress and you may be mistaken for a fairgrounds construction worker.

The idea is to find just the right balance, then hang on for the ride.

American western clothing evolved from ranchers and farmers in the 19th century.

They wore sturdy, practical, often homemade clothes.

Later, popular movie cowboys and western musicians added stylish touches to what started out as plain work clothes.

The style — sometimes outlandish and always flashy — spread across the nation and world.

Fashioned from Anglo and Mexican cultures, the southwest style continues to be popular, particularly in Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma.

It all goes back to the pioneers, particularly cowboys, said Adam Fowler, a sales associate at Bill's Man's Shop. The business, located in downtown San Angelo, dates back to 1946 and is one of the oldest western wear shops in the city.

Fowler said the western look is tough and masculine, a southwest mix of Mexican and Anglo cultures.

That holds true for women as well, he said. While women's western clothing is about looking good, it's also about being tough.

Starting from scratch, purchasing even a basic western wardrobe isn't cheap.

Jeans start at about $24, belts, $25-30; shirts, anywhere from $20 to around $70 and straw hats, about $29.

With western wear, as with other clothing, the sky's the limit for costs. The store's high-end felt hats sell for close to $500.

Other popular western clothing for men include wool and leather vests.

"They can really dress up a basic shirt," he said.

Traditional brands like Wrangler have had to compete with relatively new brands like Cinch for space on the showroom floor, Fowler said.

He said another trend is the popularity of square-toed boots, which have edged out traditional rounded-toe boots.

"I got my first pair six years ago, and they're more comfortable than any of the shoes I own," he said.

The square-toed footwear also have roots in the 19th century, he explained.

"They originally were used by 19th century cavalry."

While fashion has played a big part in the evolution of western clothing, its roots remain firmly planted in the pioneers who needed sturdy clothing that would last.

"Even the snaps on pearl button shirts are practical," Fowler said. "If a cowboy got his shirt hooked by a bull horn, it would tear the shirt and buttons all up. The shirt would just pull apart at the snaps.